Weekly Covid-19 Status Report - 12/30/21

Good morning Colchester Citizens,

This is the weekly covid update that we have now received from Chatham Health that covers the reporting period of 12/12/21 - 12/25/21.

Overall, the District had 580 cases during this reporting period – an increase of 28 cases (or 5%) compared to the last reporting period​. All Connecticut counties have been identified by CDC as having high levels of transmission (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view|Connecticut|Risk|community_transmission_level) 

Hospitalizations and fatalities have continued to increase across the state, with 1,151 patients currently hospitalized, and 83 fatalities in the last week. Hospitalizations and fatalities, though high, have remained lower than the same period last year despite many more cases overall this year. DPH data show that approximately 70.9% of Chatham Health District residents are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Though the Omicron variant has shown an ability to infect people who are fully vaccinated, vaccination continues to provide significant protection from severe disease. Approximately 30% of Connecticut residents are not fully vaccinated, but unvaccinated residents make up approximately 70% of hospitalizations.

In order to protect yourself and others from COVID-19,

• Get vaccinated if you have not already done so.
• Get a booster shot if you are eligible.
• Getting tested for COVID-19 especially if you are sick, or as close as possible before gathering with family for the holidays even if you feel well.
  • At-home tests are a convenient way to accomplish this if available.
  • At-home tests can be purchased online or at many local pharmacies, though supplies are often limited.
• Refraining from gathering together with people from other households if you are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 5 days, especially if there will be people at high risk for severe COVID-19 - including older adults, someone who is immunocompromised, or unvaccinated household members.
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor public settings* 

Chatham Health District is coordinating testing and vaccine clinics, though demand for testing services is leading to long lines and occasional shortages. To see upcoming scheduled vaccine and testing clinics in the district, visit our website: https://www.chathamhealth.org/services-2, or call 2-1-1. Unfortunately, testing resources, locally and statewide, are unable to meet the demand. Many public testing clinics have long lines, and close early. Residents who are sick but are unable to get tested should assume they have COVID-19 and isolate for at least 5 days**.

*Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of face without gaps. Loose-fitting, cloth face coverings provide less protection than surgical masks, KN95, or N95 masks. Many municipalities will be distributing high quality KN95 or N95 masks to the public. Residents should check their town’s website for details.

** CDC issued updated quarantine and isolation guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html

Click here for the full report.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, get vaccinated, wear a mask when indoors in public places, maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, avoid crowds, wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, stay home if you’re sick and get tested. For the most current updates and recommendations, visit ct.gov/coronavirus. For general questions, call 2-1-1